just, diverse, united
the destiny of America
"The role of the arts is essential in giving hope and connecting our minds and hearts to a vision of the oneness of humanity and freedom from racial prejudice. We have called upon artists to create art that illuminates these visions of justice, diversity, and unity hoped for in our American society." - Green Acre, A Baha'i School of Learning
To view the whole online show click here. Two of my illustrations were selected to be a part of this online show (see below).
In Bloom
This illustration explores the relationship between the human body and nature, as well as the relationship between the soul and the spiritual world. As Shoghi Effendi beautifully wrote, "We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us...". We are all in bloom, constantly learning, growing, and finding our way in the world. We are surrounded by spiritual influences and mystery; souls that guide and assist us on our paths yet remain invisible to our physical eyes. In this past year, the problems related to social isolation and individualism in the United States have been thrown in the spotlight like never before. It has been hard to measure growth and feel beauty amidst such chaotic times, but this illustration hopefully serves as a sort of window into the spiritual garden we always occupy, no matter our physical circumstance.
On All Sides
This piece was inspired by the Baha'i writings and the relationship between the individual and the collective human experience. We are all part of a larger collective striving each day to find our place in the world. This illustration responds to the pain and deep wounds of racism in the United States and the world, and the evident need for unity in every facet of society. The piece is meant to offer a moment of reflection on humanity being one human body and one human family finding it's way. The pain of one, is the pain of all. Bahá'u'lláh says, "We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul". The title of this piece draws from a prayer for protection, that we may be protected on all sides. The Báb writes: "Protect us from what lieth in front of us and behind us, above our heads, on our right, on our left, below our feet and every other side to which we are exposed."
